Moving Down the River...Lyon
Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 01:35PM
We are moving on down the river...in a ship that was named just for me...do you think they commissioned it right before I booked this trip...it was a lovely, small ship with only 44 passengers..It was easy to get to know everyone and fortunately we had a wonderful, fun loving group...and in my estimation our tour guide was one of the very best we've ever had...so important to have a great tour guide...I would cruise this trip again just to spend more time with her..so here we are in Lyon..a favorite spot of mine..
We arrive in Lyon early in the morning before the city starts to move..I wake up early and go for a walk..one of the things that I love about Southern France is that, in general it is safe to walk around...Lyon was like that...the light and the warmth were beautiful this morning and I enjoyed some free time on my own...to try and take in the beauty that surrounded me...Lyon is a city in east-central France in the Rhone-Alps region. It sits between Paris and Marseille. The city is known for it's historical and architectural landmarks as an important area for the production and weaving of silk and in modern times has developed a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in France..the city is also know for it's famous light festival, Fete des Lumieres which occurs every December 8th and lasts 4 days, earning Lyon the title Capital of Lights. Legend says that Virgin Mary saved the city from the plague and, to thank her, a statue was built. On the day it was erected, the whole city was lit by candles that the citizens put in their windows..and each December they still light those candles..Lyon is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.
Later in the day we went to visit the Basilica Note-Dame de fourviere...It was built with private funds between 1872 and 1884 in a dominating position in the city. Fourviere is also dedicated to the Virgin Mary for saving the city from the sweeping epidemic of cholera...it is an impressive building.
Basilica on the hill and the stairs leading up to it...the building can be seen anywhere in the city. We did not climb those stairs but went up a hill on the other side...fortunately the bus took us up quite a ways so our walk was much less than what these poor folks were doing.
Ah my favorite part...shopping...as you can see, the streets get busy and the bikes come out, along with the walkers..the French people are much more fit and trim than us American's...it was not hard to figure that out and it was also obvious why...they WALK AND BIKE everywhere...no butter with bread, no bread basket appetizer..small portions, oh my they were small but after a few days you realized that they were plenty big enough. Each meal always consisted of soup, salad, entree and dessert...and lots and lots of wine...so delicious. If you really want to know how they do it...a really great and fun read is "French Woman Don't Get Fat". Since reading the book I try to pay more attention to some of the tips...but while there...not so much. We did walk everywhere though. Shopping was my thing..I love everything French and someday I will show you my shoes and bag and scarf...and blah, blah blah...and remember the tour guide that I mentioned earlier...well how do I know she is really so good...because she told me exactly where to go to get those shoes...
I had to add the wisteria...it was so beautiful and so abundant...draping over fences and walls like a fine piece of silk...colors in shades of purple and lavender...I swear it had a scent of romance to it...just to tease you and stop you short in your tracks...it was spring there, real spring...and it invaded my senses...
From the deck on the ship we would gather and enjoy the views of the city as we glided down the river...no hurry, no where to be...just this one day to gather memories for a life time...Lyon will enter your heart and never let go...well, that is until you get to Avignon..but that's for another day...
Reader Comments (11)
Wow! LOVE your photography work and the soft dreamy look! I feel like I am right there. Your story telling is so exceptional Cheryl, you really need to write a book. The Basilica shot is just amazing! Thank you for sharing your day on the river Lyon, and some special sights along the way. xx
Another place to go on my bucket list. We can fly to Lyon from our local airport so really there is no excuse !!!
oh my goodness ... what a lovely place. Thank you so much for sharing your photos, I really enjoyed the tour through Lyons. Your photos make me wish I was there too ... so dreamy! Can not wait to tour Avignon! :~)
So absolutely lovely! Another place to visit for sure!
Oooh, aaah...I love this post for so many reasons. I too love France and the way the French approach life. One of my most memorable trips was a driving trip of France. I read the same book as you mention and my takeaway is that a much better way of eating is to eat smaller portions of really tasty, high quality fresh flavourful food rather than massive portions of poor quality overly processed junk. If you do that you don't feel the need to eat as much. You are much more satisfied. And that is true for me. Also the French eat more slowly and make a bid deal of the social aspect of meals. And walking and biking so much is fabulous for staying fit and trim. I love all your images...beautifully composed and processed. I love the first and the last especially showing the boat. So interesting to see it up close. OK so now you've tantalized us...let's see those shoes!!!!
Thank you faithful friends for stopping by..your comments are so useful and full of encouragement.
I would encourage all of you to take a river cruise if the opportunity presents itself...and Sherry you are so right about the French knowing how to enjoy life and especially the food and wine...no one is ever in a hurry...and I found after a short time that the smaller portions were just enough..and everything was fresh...everyone visits the many open markets each day...supermarkets are only for paper products and laundry essentials...I really want to get more work done on my editing of those photo's so I can share more with you...and you do know that Love is really in the air over there...
Beverly you make me believe in my writing...I love doing it and your support is so wonderful...what a good friend you are...so many miles away and yet we all find people who touch our lives in profound ways...you do that for me...as well as a few of the other Groupies...thanks for taking the time to share your comments and lift my spirits...
Liz, you totally have to go when you get the chance...and can I tell you there is nothing nicer than rolling down the rivers of France...so much beauty from the boat...and all the little villages along the way...keep it on your bucket list...
When we finally do get together again for a nice long visit, I want to hear more about how you knew where to go! It seemed like the perfect vacation. I have so much to learn about travel! Thanks again for all you share. You truly do make everything come to life, so joyously. You have the gift of "showing" not "telling" . . . seems like a simple concept, but I find it difficult to do. Now please do tell us about those shoes! Love hearing your enthusiasm about your shopping sprees!
Hi Antoinette. Yes, hoping we can sit down again and chat about all the things we both love. Maybe this year..in Maine, either when we are there or you are there. France was a easy choice, just so beautiful. Soon I will share my shoes. LOL
I'm catching up on your recent posts here- this is great- you really give a flavour of Lyon with your words & photos & your own unique take on the city. Quite strange, but lovely, to see more familiar European images (to me) appear when I'm used to seeing & enjoying North America. I too love France... You've given a beautiful impression here.